Niger

Nine-year-old Elba is one of over 9 million people in Niger who now have clean water.

WaterAid/Nyani Quarmyne/Panos

Niger

Capital:

Niamey

Population:

20 million

Area:

1,267,000

km2

Surrounded by the vast Sahara desert, Niger is one of the least developed countries in the world. With intense droughts, poor soil conditions and the gradual spread of the desert, life is hard.

The Government faces many barriers to providing public services like clean water and toilets. The economy can barely fund infrastructure. And the extreme climate makes installation and maintenance a major challenge.

That hasn’t stopped them being ambitious. The Government has committed to reaching those who don’t have clean water and the nine in ten people who do not have a decent toilet. But they need support.

More than 10 million people do not have clean water.

That's half the country without this basic essential.

17 million people do not have a decent toilet.

Almost 9 in 10 people.

Over 11,500 children under 5 die each year from diarrhoea.

Caused by dirty water and poor toilets.

High child mortality and poor education have led to rapid population growth and a lack of skills. This is preventing people from unlocking their potential.

We are working with local governments to make clean water, toilets and hygiene a normal part of daily life for those hardest to reach; from nomadic groups in the desert to fishermen living on the banks of the River Niger. By understanding the needs of diverse communities, we can change lives for good.

Make a donation today

Ready to make a difference? Just a small gift can help change someone's life.